Changing of the guard at Post-Newsweek stations

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The Washington Post Company has announced that Alan Frank, the President/CEO of its broadcast division, will be retiring at the end of the year. Emily L. Barr will be moving over from ABC this summer and will be taking over his role.


WaPo Chairman/CEO Donald E. Graham said, “Alan Frank has been a key contributor to the Company for more than 30 years and a brilliant head of Post-Newsweek Stations. He’s put together an exceptional team, led by six outstanding station managers. Since 2000, when Alan was named president and CEO of Post-Newsweek Stations, he has led our television broadcasting division through an era of excellence. Everyone at the Post Company will miss him.”

Barr is coming from ABC O&O WLS Chicago, where she has been President/GM since 1997. She will have plenty of time to work with Frank on a smooth transition. She’ll be with her new company beginning in July 2012.

Frank has been with the company since 1979, starting out as the program manager of WDIV Detroit.

NAB’s leader Gordon Smith did not net the announcement pass without comment. He said, “Alan Frank is one of broadcasting’s great ambassadors. He’s been a champion of free and local television for three decades, and his service to the NAB Board and other industry groups has been exemplary.”